CREATIVITY
When, where and how? These questions face every real estate project from purchasing a house to financing construction of a multi-million dollar continuing care retirement community. We understand deeds, easements, surveys, SEQR, planning, and development from all perspectives. As active real estate attorneys, we have provided guidance to home owners and purchasers, developers, and lenders on the entire range of local zoning and planning issues, from simple lot line adjustments to the development, financing and approvals for planned unit developments.
Miller Mayer attorneys are used to attending public hearings - sometimes long ones - and understand that political issues must be carefully considered. We have advised homeowners associations, developers, cooperatives and condominiums in Tompkins County and throughout the state regarding regulatory and zoning approvals, and on-going operational and management issues that arise in mature communities.
We bring our creativity, legal and local knowledge, experience and commitment to every legal representation we undertake.
Read More: Bank Counsel; Development Projects; Real Estate Syndication
Buyers and Sellers of homes. Because the purchase of a home is the largest single investment most people will ever undertake, careful consideration should be given to the practical and legal complications involved in the transfer of real estate before any action is taken. We provide legal counsel on these issues and others:
Contracts: Whether you are seller or buyer, you should understand the terms in a purchase contract and how they affect you. Typically, the buyer’s agent prepares a purchase contract once a purchase price and other terms have been agreed upon, although our office can also do this. There are a variety of terms and conditions to be considered when you enter into such a transaction. The best time to consult an attorney to represent you is before you sign a purchase offer. The next best time is immediately after the signing of the contract if the contract contains an attorney review/approval clause.
Title searches: When you buy a home you should be assured that you have the right to occupy it without interference other than utility easements or other possible limitations such as deed restrictions and zoning law. A title search by your attorney ensures that the seller can convey title to the property to you as agreed upon in the contract of sale and that you later will be able to sell or mortgage it without problems. Your attorney can also advise you whether to obtain title insurance and on the terms, exceptions, and conditions of a title insurance policy. Your attorney will also review all the documents required to convey title to be sure that the conditions and promises of the purchase contract are fulfilled.
Municipal and Zoning Issues
We also represent many corporate and individual clients in their dealings with area municipalities in subdivision approvals, applications for variances, rezoning issues, and site plan development. We have negotiated and drafted easements for public utilities and access, and been involved in the preparation of environmental impact statements.